Retinal Astrocytoma: Benign Complications - An Extensive Overview
- sunshine4cancerkid
- Aug 10
- 17 min read
Words: 3896
Marleigh Amate
Writer | Researcher
Treatment, Impact
Hadlie Darke-Schreiber
Writer | Researcher
Introduction, Statistics
Jenny Hua
Writer | Researcher
Diagnosis, Conclusion
Mishka Shah
Writer | Researcher
Abstract, Discussion, Professions
Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents.......................................................................................................................... 3
Abstract...........................................................................................................................................5
Introduction....................................................................................................................................6
Discussion....................................................................................................................................... 7
Diagnosis......................................................................................................................................... 8
Symptoms.................................................................................................................................. 8
Signs...........................................................................................................................................8
Diagnostic Procedures............................................................................................................... 8
Primary.................................................................................................................................8
Ophthalmoscopy............................................................................................................ 8
Color Fundus Photography............................................................................................ 8
Ancillary.............................................................................................................................. 8
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT)......................................8
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA)................................................9
Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF)....................................................................................9
Ultrasonography.............................................................................................................9
Infrared (IR) Imaging.....................................................................................................9
Fluorescein Angiography...............................................................................................9
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Angiography........................................................................ 9
Associated Diseases.................................................................................................................10
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).................................................................................. 10
Sporadic Retinal Astrocytoma........................................................................................... 10
Differential Diagnoses............................................................................................................. 10
SD-OCT............................................................................................................................. 10
FAF.....................................................................................................................................11
IR Imaging......................................................................................................................... 11
US.......................................................................................................................................11
Medical Professions..................................................................................................................... 12
Treatment......................................................................................................................................13
Introduction to Retinal Astrocytoma....................................................................................... 13
Treatment Options....................................................................................................................13
Observation........................................................................................................................13
Medical Therapy................................................................................................................ 13
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors (mTORis)............................................. 14
Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF)............................................ 14
Surgery...............................................................................................................................14
Vitrectomy....................................................................................................................14Laser Therapy.................................................................................................................... 15
Photocoagulation..........................................................................................................15
Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT)......................................................................... 15
Treatment Factors.............................................................................................................. 15
Statistics........................................................................................................................................ 16
Diagnosed................................................................................................................................ 16
Survival Rates.......................................................................................................................... 16
Linked with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex...............................................................................16
Impact........................................................................................................................................... 17
Physical Impact........................................................................................................................17
Emotional Impact.....................................................................................................................17
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................... 18
Works Cited..................................................................................................................................19
Abstract
Retinal astrocytomas are uncommon, the benign tumors formatively linked from
astrocyte cells, which are star-shaped glial cells, in the retinal nerve fiber layer. They are twenty
times more prevalent in people suffering from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and
Neurofibromatosis Type 1, but can also appear without any link to those two. They are generally
asymptomatic and found incidentally. However, retinal astrocytomas may present symptoms like
a decrease in vision, photopsia or visual field defects. If they enlarge or disrupt adjoining retinal
structures, the aforementioned symptoms may occur.
Fundoscopic examination, in which the retina is viewed, is often the first step to seeing
the lesion, which appears as a white, calcified, elevated mass. It may also boast a “mulberry” or
“fish egg” appearance as well. Further tests, such as Optical Coherence Tomography, ultrasound
B-scan, fluorescein angiography, and even sometimes MRI scans are employed, especially in
cases presenting with systemic symptoms, to help with characterization and monitoring. Brain
and organ imaging is particularly recommended in patients suffering from known genetic
syndromes with the aim to evaluate systemic involvement.
Retinal astrocytomas that lead to vision threatening complications like retinal detachment
or even hinder vision necessitates intervention. Most, however, are static in nature and don’t
need to be treated. Intervention can consist of laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, or in cases of
vitreous hemorrhage, vitrectomy. Radiation therapy is a very rare option, but is still an option
that can be considered.
The medical specialists that deal with the diagnosis and treatment of the condition are
ophthalmologists, retina specialists, neurologists, and, if systemic syndromes are suspected,
geneticists. If there are cutaneous or neurological symptoms, pediatricians and dermatologists
may take an interest as well.
For patients with syndromes, early diagnosis and ongoing surveillance are critical for the
effective preservation of vision and management of potential associated systemic complications.
The increasing availability of imaging and genetic testing is expanding the understanding and
management of retinal astrocytomas, enabling more accurate and tailored treatment approaches.
Introduction
Retinal Astrocytoma is a rare non-cancerous tumor in the glial cell found in the retina.
The glial cell is the support cell of the nervous system. Normally this tumor occurs in children
under the age of 19. When the tumor is first presented it should not have an affect on vision but it
can eventually cause problems with vision. The tumor can appear white or translucent with
different thickness. These tumors can be unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes).
Discussion
Our interest in retinal astrocytomas stems from their distinctive triadic relationship with
ophthalmology, neurology, and genetics. Looking through the lens of tuberous sclerosis,
neurofibromatosis, and similar systemic conditions, these tumors are rare, but their presence
reveals a lot. As Visual Sciences students fascinated with medical diagnostics, the clue of a small
retinal lesion sparking such a triadic relationship diagnosis was truly captivating. Furthermore,
the almond-shaped lesions on the retina, also referred to as retinal astrocytomas, are usually
asymptomatic and found incidentally. Thus, their study emphasizes the often-ignored but vital
routine eye examinations and the importance of early detection. Examining such lesions not only
enhanced our understanding of ocular tumors, but also showcased the intertwining and
overlapping specialties in medicine, highlighting the collaborative approach required to
understand and manage these complex cases. With our research, we aimed to increase awareness
of this lesser-known yet profoundly important condition in pediatric and adult care.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Retinal astrocytoma is typically asymptomatic and may be detected incidentally or
through screening for patients with tuberous sclerosis or suspected phakomatoses. However,
tumors that affect the macula or optic nerve or exhibit hemorrhage or exudation may cause visual
disturbances such as blur, floaters, or metamorphopsia. In addition, diagnosed patients have
reported reduced vision, dizziness, and paracentral scotoma.
Signs
Three morphological retinal astrocytoma subtypes have been classically described. Type
1, the most common type, exhibits flat, smooth, semitransparent, grey-white lesions without
calcification. In contrast, type 2 is characterized by raised, multinodular, opaque, calcified
lesions often described as mulberry-like. Type 3 includes transitional lesions with features of
Type 1 and 2. In practice, tumors may be divided into non-calcified variants and calcified
variants characterized by glistening yellow calcification spherules.
Diagnostic Procedures
Primary
Ophthalmoscopy
Retinal astrocytoma is typically clinically diagnosed based on ophthalmoscopic
appearance, which can be attained through direct, indirect, or slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy.
Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and best corrected visual acuity are also utilized in ophthalmic
examination.
Color Fundus Photography
Color fundus photography provides a time-dated record of lesions for color, borders,
topography, transparency, and vascularity assessment. Serial imaging is performed to monitor
growth, regression, and other tumor changes over time.
Ancillary
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT)
SD-OCT employs infrared light to produce a cross-section visualization of the retina and
displays the intrinsic structure of tumors, including whether they are solid, cystic, or contain
cavities. Retinal astrocytoma tumors are typically localized in the retinal nerve fiber layer and
appear as dome-shaped retinal thickening. Hyporeflective intralesional cavitation or calcification
creates a moth-eaten appearance. SD-OCT also measures the basal diameter and thickness oftumors and reveals the presence of subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid and choroid infiltration.
This imaging method detected subretinal fluid tracking toward the macula in a case of aggressive
retinal astrocytoma.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA)
OCTA utilizes lightwaves to create detailed three-dimensional images demonstrating the
microvasculature of the retina, choroid, and tumor. Flow voids, dark regions within these images,
indicate a lack of blood flow and correspond to areas of cavitation.
Fundus Autofluorescence (F AF)
FAF captures the natural fluorescence of certain retinal substances when exposed to a
specific wavelength of light to indicate the metabolic state of the retinal pigmented epithelium
and tumor. This imaging technique reveals whether the tumor has invaded the retina or the
border between them remains well-defined. Calcified tumors demonstrate hyperautofluorescence
in FAF, while non-calcified tumors reduce background autofluorescence, resulting in a
hypofluorescent appearance. More superficial opacities will also appear brighter than deeper
cysts.
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography converts echoes of high frequency soundwaves into images of internal
organs. B-mode ultrasonography is utilized to determine the solidity of a tumor and detect
hyperechogenic calcifications. The majority of retinal astrocytoma tumors exhibit high internal
reflectivity, suggesting high solidity and density.
Infrared (IR) Imaging
Tumors may appear to be hyporeflective or contain hyperreflective calcifications in IR
imaging. Surface calcifications appear brighter than deeper calcifications.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein angiography involves injecting a fluorescent dye (fluorescein) into an arm
vein and capturing images as it circulates through the eye. This detects early background
choroidal fluorescence blockage, capillary plexus within the tumor, and late leak, a gradual
increase in the intensity and extent of hyperfluorescence. Angiography may reveal the presence
of additional tumors.
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Angiography
ICG angiography involves injecting ICG dye into an arm vein and capturing images as it
circulates through the eye. Tumors cause hypocyanescence by masking the view of blood
vessels, the amount of blockage determined by the degree of calcification and height of thetumor. ICG angiography serves as an alternative to fluorescein angiography, which may be less effective due to dye scatter or leakage.
Associated Diseases
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
TSC is a phakomatosis caused by the mutation of TSC1 or TSC2, tumor suppressor genes
that encode for the proteins hamartin and tuberin, respectively. Loss of function leads to
dysregulation of cellular proliferation via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway,
resulting in the formation of hamartoma such as retinal astrocytoma. Knudson’s two hit
hypothesis states that tumor formation requires a second random mutation, encompassing the
wide phenotypic variation. TSC exhibits a high penetrance, variable expressivity autosomal
dominant inheritance pattern, and two-thirds of cases are sporadic.
Retinal astrocytoma is most commonly associated with TSC, and one diagnosis may lead
to the other. TSC patients with retinal abnormalities are more likely to have concurrent systemic
disease compared to those without. In fact, they are three times more likely to demonstrate
concurrent giant cell astrocytoma and significantly more likely to experience cognitive
impairment, epilepsy, and renal angiomyolipoma.
Sporadic Retinal Astrocytoma
Sporadic retinal astrocytoma includes all cases with no evidence of TSC and are almost
always solitary and unilateral. They comprise 29-81% of total retinal astrocytoma. Other
associated diseases include type 1 neurofibromatosis, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher’s syndrome,
Stagardt’s disease ABCR (ABCA4) mutation, and gyrate atrophy.
Differential Diagnoses
Retinal astrocytoma is not to be confused with acquired retinal astrocytoma, a similar,
non-calcified, solitary mass of adult onset with no TSC history. Solitary circumscribed retinal
astrocytic proliferation, a solitary focal gliotic lesion in older patients with no TSC history; uveal
melanoma, which demonstrates cavitation or rare calcification; and optic nerve head drusen, an
anterior drusen that demonstrates hyperautofluorescence, are other differential diagnoses in
addition to retinoblastoma, retinocytoma, choroidal metastasis, combined hamartoma of the
retina and retinal pigment epithelium, retinal pigment epithelial adenoma, and retinal capillary
hemangioma. These diagnoses can be distinguished based on characteristics and measurements
identified by various ancillary testing and imaging techniques.
SD-OCT
Retinoblastoma appears the most similar to retinal astrocytoma in an SD-OCT and has
been described as an optically dense, hyperreflective, disorganized tissue lesion of full-retinal
thickness. While posterior shadowing is often observed, intraretinal cavitation is rare comparedto retinal astrocytoma. Choroidal melanoma and metastases appear as deep retinal lesions orchoroidal thickening. Retinal oedema, thinning, photoreceptor loss and retinal pigment epithelial layer changes have also been described. Idiopathic scleroma dome-shaped elevation of the overlying retina, and the scleral lesion displays a lumpy, irregular surface at the sclera-choroid border.
FAF
FAF highlights untreated retinoblastoma calcification as hyperfluorescent areas.
Cystic-like opacities also appear hyperfluorescent on FAF and even brighter when more
superficial, suggesting the presence of a fluorophore such as lipofuscin, an orange pigment from
degenerating tissue. While characteristic of choroidal melanoma and metastasis, lipofuscin is not
a described feature of retinal astrocytoma. Furthermore, yellow-white idiopathic scleroma are
identified as hyperreflective, poorly defined lesions.
IR Imaging
Mulberry-like calcified spherules characteristic of retinal astrocytoma appear
hyperreflective, while the majority of other tumors are hyporeflective.
US
The majority of retinal astrocytoma are hyperechoic. Retinoblastomas appear as
echogenic soft tissue masses with variable shadowing due to fine calcification and heterogeneity
caused by tumor hemorrhage and necrosis. Choroidal melanoma and metastases both appear to
rise from the choroid. However, while melanoma are acoustically hollow, metastases are
hyperechoic and display a lower height to base ratio in comparison.
Medical Professions
Addressing retinal astrocytomas involves different professionals, each as a part of the
multidisciplinary team, with unique skills, education, and methods of practice. The key
professionals are ophthalmologists, neurologists, medical geneticists, and even pediatricians
when the tumor presents with systemic genetic associations, as is the case with tuberous sclerosis
complex (TSC) or neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
As the first point of contact, ophthalmologists are responsible for the initial evaluation
and diagnosis of retinal astrocytomas and are capable of performing OCT, ultrasound B-scan,
fluorescein angiography, and OCT imaging. Like most other medical professionals, they attend
university for a bachelor’s degree, complete four years of medical school, and have a three-to
four-year residency in ophthalmology. Annual earnings for ophthalmologists is in the range of
$250,000 to $500,000, with geographic location and field of subspecialization determining the
exact figure. They become trained in the ocular anatomy with relevant diseases, imaging, and
surgery.
Neurologists engage when retinal astrocytomas occur as part of a wider syndromic
neurological condition, such as TSC or NF1. Neurologists can guide systemic evaluation and
management, including with MRI imaging and neurological examination. Neurologists have a
bachelor's degree, four years of medical school, a four-year residency in neurology, often with
additional training in a fellowship with neuro-oncology. Neurologists typically earn $220,000
and $350,000 per year. A neurologist's skill set includes ability to interpret neuroimaging, as well
as evaluate for genetic disease/systemic condition, and to perform neurological examination.
Medical geneticists play a crucial role in identifying hereditary syndromes which often
have a relationship to retinal astrocytomas. They will help establish genetic mutations and
determine if genetic counseling is necessary for families. Their educational path involves 4 years
of medical school followed by two to three years of medical genetics residency. Geneticists with
a PhD may be involved in the research and clinical testing of pediatric cancer. Geneticists earn
anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000 per year. Geneticists learn how to conduct genetic testing,
interpret results, determine occurrence patterns, and evaluate inheritance patterns in syndromes
of complex etiology.
Pediatricians, and especially pediatricians with knowledge about genetic conditions may
be the first to see signals of other systemic diseases that may or may not include retinal tumors,
which are usually a consequence of a primary systemic disease. Their education includes 4 years
of medical school followed by three years of a pediatric residency. Pediatricians typically earn
$180,000 to $250,000 per year. They learn about developmental biology, identify early childhood
diseases, and develop care plans that intersect with other disciplines, especially in syndromic
conditions.
Treatment
Introduction to Retinal Astrocytoma
Retinal Astrocytoma is a rare benign glioma, a non-cancerous tumor found in the glial
cell in the retina. Retinal Astrocytoma is also known as Retinal astrocytic hamartomas (RAH).
RAH typically appears during childhood. Treatments commonly consist of constant monitoring
and observation. If the RAH becomes more aggressive it may require more extensive care.
Treatment Options
Retinal Astrocytoma is typically found in children and requires observation. Depending
on how large the lesion is will determine if there needs to be additional treatment. Serial
ophthalmoscopy is used to monitor and observe the progression of the lesion. If the lesion
remains small the only necessary treatment is observation. If growth of the lesion is shown it
may require further measures such as medical therapy, surgery or laser therapy. Treatment is
typically not needed but in rare and aggressive cases treatment may be necessary.
Observation
Observation is the most typical treatment for retinal astrocytoma. Since retinal
astrocytoma (RAH) typically does not grow or change over time. Progressive growth and
complications are rare. When the lesions are small, asymptomatic, or minor observation is the
primary treatment. All patients are monitored under MRI scans to ensure there is no rapid growth
or any growth within the lesions. If growth or any other issues occur in relation to RAH
additional treatment plans may be deemed necessary.
Medical Therapy
Medical therapy is used to shrink tumors and lesions, and control fluid leakage in the eye.
Medical therapy is the first medical option when the lesion involves medical treatment.
Mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORis) is a form of Medical Therapy used to treat
aggressive Retinal Astryctoma. Five patients from the ages of youth to adult were treated with
sirolimus and everolimus. Each of the results came back positive proving medical therapy to be a
successful treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in the tumor stability and size,
improved exudation, and a long follow up that showed consistent results. Medical therapy is
typically used when there are complications within RAH. Complications appear when RAH is
paired with other diseases such as CNVM which uses mTOR for effective results. Anti–vascular
endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) therapy has been shown to control exudation in some
instances. RAH paired with fluid typically responses to anti-VEGF therapy.
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors (mTORis)
mTORs are proven to show significant results in RAH. mTOR has mutations of TSC in
the TSC1 and TSC2 genes. The mutations lead to constitutive activation, the rapid uncontrollable
growth of cell and tumor formations. First line therapy, mTOR inhibitors are commonly
sirolimus and everolimus. The previously listed mTOR inhibitors are known to treat
subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), renal angiomyolipoma,
lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), Retinal astrocytic hamartomas. A 13-month old male
diagnosed with TSC related to RAH had retinal detachment. Everolimus was prescribed at 2
mg/day (3.3 mg/m2/day) paired with titrated to 5 mg/day. After 13 months, the tumor dimension
decreased from 8.1 mm to 5.9 mm (26.9%) and thickness decreased from 4.5 mm to 2.7 mm
(39.6%). Five other patients with aggressive TSC-related RAH have shown a successful response
to mTOR inhibitors.
Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF)
Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) is a medication that stops VEGF.
VEGF is a protein that is produced by cells within the body and it produces new blood vessels
when necessary. The production of VEGF may need to be stopped because occasionally cells can
produce too much VEGF and if this occurs abnormal blood vessels are produced within the eye.
Abnormal blood vessels can cause damage to the eye and vision.
Surgery
Surgery is used to remove fluid within the eye, to reattach damage within the eye, and to
stop bleeding. Vitrectomy is the typical eye surgery that is used. In this procedure the doctor
removes the vitreous gel on the eye. This surgery is only used when other medications don’t
work; it is commonly the last resource. Specifically if there is hemorrhage, bleeding in the eye or
exudation, fluid leaking from the eye surgery is the only option.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a form of eye surgery that works to fix issues within the retina and vitreous.
Ophthalmologists typically perform this surgery. They remove blood and any other substance
limiting light from the retina. Then they remove some scar tissue that is causing poor vision,
then repair the retina that was detached from the eye wall. Lastly, they remove any object that is
not supposed to be there from the eye. During this procedure the Ophthalmologists typically
remove the vitreous from the middle of the eye. Then the vitreous is replaced with either salt
water and overtime the eye replaces the salt water with natural eye fluid this is called aqueous
humor.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is used to target bleeding in the eye, or any fluid within the eye.
Photocoagulation and transpupillary thermotherapy also known as TTT are known to treat retinal
astrocytoma. The lasers are beams of light that are used to heat and destroy body tissues.
Photocoagulation
This is a form of treatment where laser beams are aimed through the pupil. The purpose
of the laser is to focus on the blood vessels that are surrounding the tumor. This method destroys
the tumor by using heat. This method is typically only used on small tumors near the back of the
eye. This treatment is suggested to be two to three times with a month separation between each
treatment.
Transpupillary Thermotherapy (TTT)
TTT is where the doctor uses a different form of lasers than used in
photocoagulation. The specific laser used applies light directly to the tumor with heat to directly
kill the tumor. This method is typically only used for small tumors but can also be used with
chemotherapy to treat larger tumors.
Treatment Factors
It is essential to understand all the factors that go into RAH to ensure the right treatment
plan is put into place. Some factors that are important to consider are the tumor’s location.
Though most patients do not suffer from visual disturbances such as vision loss. Though there
are rare cases where problems do rise and if problems develop it may be due to a lesion being
near the macula which can result in vision loss. Depending on where the lesion is located will
determine whether there is vision loss. Tumor size and growth also plays an important role due to
if the tumor begins to grow interventions will be necessary. Other complications could include if
RAH is linked with other diseases. Complications that are rare but possible include Retinal
traction, Choroidal neovascular membrane, Cystoid macular edema, Exudative retinal
detachment, Vitreous hemorrhage, Subretinal hemorrhage, Neovascular glaucoma, Amblyopia.
Age and health is an important factor. In pediatric patients it is extremely important to monitor
and ensure there is no growth.Statistics
Diagnosed
Each year, 250 to 350 children are diagnosed with retinal astrocytoma, a rare and
typically benign tumor that develops from glial cells in the retina. Most of these diagnoses occur
in children under ten, often discovered during routine eye examinations or evaluations related to
genetic conditions.
Survival Rates
Fortunately, retinal astrocytoma is non-cancerous in the majority of cases, and the overall
outlook for affected children is very positive. Approximately 90 percent of patients experience a
stable condition that does not progress, and many live without serious visual or health
complications. When treatment is necessary due to tumor growth, vision impairment, or
complications such as retinal detachment, the condition often responds well to therapy. Once
treated, the chance of the tumor returning is very low, and most children continue to do well.
Linked with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Retinal astrocytoma is also closely linked to tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic
disorder characterized by the growth of benign tumors in various parts of the body. Research
shows that about 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with retinal astrocytoma also have tuberous
sclerosis complex. In addition, nearly half of the people with tuberous sclerosis may develop
retinal astrocytomas, making this eye finding an important clinical indicator of the condition.
Impact
Physical Impact
RAH has lasting effects resulting in long term evaluations and constant
observation. A 3 year old girl in a 2003 study presented with a 0.5 disc diameter subretinal
translucent lesion without vitreous seeding. Over time the spherical cysts began to form. 12 years
later the same girl showed an increase in the lesion to 1 disc diameter in size and comprises
multiple cysts. SD-OCT showed a heterogeneous reflectivity of the lesion. This results in
constant monitoring of the SD-OCT exams to monitor and detect any progression that may
appear. To ensure no new symptoms arise. Ultimately, a long term impact is ensuring there is
constant monitoring of RAH.
Additional physical impacts can be loss of vision in rare cases. This can be
life-changing due to the fact that vision is a very prominent feature in life. Especially in
childhood, having vision allows children to learn more and be able to engage. So with the loss of
vision it may hinder the child’s ability to learn and function accordingly. There are also many
impacts and side effects of all the different treatment plans. Some impacts that can occur are
bleeding, infections, the possibility of retinal detachment, and discomfort.
Emotional Impact
RAH can result in many emotional issues due to this being a difficult situation for many.
There can be family & personal issues such as financial issues, possible transportation issues,
constant fear, anxiety, or sadness, lack of personal confidence. All these factors result in difficult
and negative impacts. Many children also struggle with issues within school and with their peers.
This may be for many different reasons. Possibly if there are learning difficulties. Additionally,
children may suffer from mood swings or changes due to lack of understanding of what is
occurring. Overall, there are many impacts that affect patients with RAH.
Conclusion
Retinal astrocytoma is a rare benign glioma commonly associated with TSC. This
condition results in a dome-shaped elevation of the retina composed of calcified or non-calcified
cysts. Diagnostic procedures include ophthalmoscopic examinations SD-OCT and various
imaging techniques, and treatments include medical therapies, and surgery. However, due to the
benign nature of this condition, observation is often sufficient. Tumors may cause visual
impairment, significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals by
compromising safety, communication, and development and creating a significant financial and
emotional burden. By researching and developing robust preventative measures, diagnostic
procedures, and treatments, the frequency and severity of adverse retinal astrocytoma can be
decreased, and the lives of patients can be drastically improved.
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